Thanks, Dems, for three insurance surprises

I was surprised at Mark Mahlumís letter (Herald, Jan. 10) saying that the Democrats should be blamed for rising health premium costs under the Affordable Care Act. Our personal experience is exactly the opposite. My family thanks the Democrats for three items this month:

1. For the first time, our premium only rose 12 percent instead of the usual 20 percent.

2. For the first time, we received a $400 refund check for being overcharged.

3. For the first time, we and many other people will not be automatically canceled for certain medical conditions. Our policy was renewed with the smallest percentage premium increase in the past 10 years.